Menorca empties in November. The beach bars close, the ferries slow down and the island returns to the people who live there. We asked three families who moved over for good what winter is really like.

Quieter, not closed

Schools, markets, bakeries and most restaurants in Mahón and Ciutadella stay open all year. What changes is the pace: no queues, empty coves and long walks on the Camí de Cavalls.

Getting away

Flights to Barcelona and Madrid run every day of the year, and from there the rest of Europe is close. Two of the families work remotely and travel once a month.

What they would tell a newcomer

  • Buy a house that is warm in winter, not just cool in summer.
  • Learn some Catalan; people notice.
  • Spend one January on the island before you decide.